Welcome to Gao Lab
Our lab innovates nanotechnology to image and perturb tumor metabolism and immunity with the goal to advance cancer care. Our pH nanosensor has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for precision cancer surgery. A STING-activating nanoparticle has entered first-in-human trials in patients with advanced solid tumors.
Meet the Principal Investigator
Jinming Gao, Ph.D.
Jinming Gao is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology, Otolaryngology, and Pharmacology at UT Southwestern. He holds the Elaine Dewey Sammons Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research, in Honor of Eugene P. Frenkel, M.D. He is an Outstanding Investigator Awardee from the National Cancer Institute.
Nanotechnology and Cancer
Our lab focuses on nanotechnology and tumor biology to achieve precision cancer medicine. Through nanotechnology, we introduce an ‘OFF-to-ON’ paradigm to maximize therapeutic window in cancer diagnosis and therapy.
IV injectable nanoparticle vaccine eradicates late stage HPV-induced cancers
Drs. Shuang Chen and Shuyue Ye developed a STING-activating nanovaccine for systemic administration that clears multi-foci and metastatic HPV-induced cancers (PMC12625860). The nanovaccine produces robust antigen-specific T cell immunity with minimal systemic toxicity.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - metabolic tale of lactic acid and lactate
Previously, Qiang et al showed sodium lactate, conjugate base of lactic acid, is surprisingly immune protective (Dr. Jekyll), which increases longevity of T cells against malignancy (PMC9448806). In this sequel, he and others show cancer cells secrete lactic acids in a polarized fashion, driving the extracellular pH below 5.3. This severe acidity (Mr. Hyde) is toxic to the T cells, suggesting aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) not only fuels cancer cell proliferation but also allows them to evade immune editing.
Type I dendritic cells drive STING-mediated antitumor immunity
Jian, Suxin and Maggie elucidated the immune cell dependence of a 'shock-and-lock' STING-activating nanoparticle for tumor rejection. STING status in type I dendritic cells but not cancer cells is crucial for antitumor response. Based on these findings, a STING-DC biomarker (XCR1-STING-CXCL9) was found to predict survival outcomes of non-small cell lung cancer patients after therapy (PMC10802424).
Get Involved
Meet the Team
Get to know more about our lab members at the interface of nanotechnology and biology
See Lab Members & Alumni
Join Our Lab
We are looking for high energy seekers who want to make a difference in medicine
Explore Opportunities
Collaborate with Us
Reach out for more information on getting involved with our research
Get in Touch